Artocarpus Sericicarpus
(Pedalai)
Other Names: Buah Tarap, Tarap (incorrectly)
Related To: Marang, Jackfruit, Chempedak
Main Uses: Fruit, Seeds, Ornamental
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast.
Mature Height/Spread: Medium sized tree. Usually under 25' but
can be larger.
Flowering/Pollination: Self-fertile
Tolerance: No salt tolerance. Little drought tolerance.
Soil/Nutrition: This species is described as being partial to
alluvial soils; mineral rich humus deposits left by lakes and
streambeds. Generally, it prefers slightly acidic soils rich in
nutrients. A light mix of peat and perlite seems ideal for growing
this species in a pot. It performs well on amended sandy soils.
Micro-nutrients are very beneficial.
Light: Appreciates shade when young, and adapts to full sun as it
matures. If growing in a pot, give it filtered sunlight for the best
results. Direct sun often taxes/burns trees under 6 feet.
Wind: Leaves are very large, needs a sheltered location.
Temperature: Young trees are shocked by temperatures in the 30's,
and will slowly succumb within 12 hours at those temperatures.
Anything below freezing usually top-kills this species to the
ground. It is slightly more cold tolerant when older and
established, being more tolerant than breadfruit (artocarpus atilis).
Dangers: None.
Diseases Prone:
Bearing Age: 3-4 years from seed.
Fruit: Odd-looking read hairy fruit are generally softball sized,
with soft sweet white pegs inside. Flavor is considered excellent,
among the finest of the sweet tasting artocarpus. Small chesnut-flavored
seeds are collected and boiled, also considered excellent.
History/Origin: Pedalai is native and most common to Malaysia and
Borneo; it is also grown in the Phillippenes to some extent. The
fruits are usually collected in the wild, but there are many
hobbyists and enthusiasts through the tropics who grow it for it's
showy, interesting fruit.
Species Observations: This tree grows quickly when happy, and
suffers rather overtly when unhappy. It will drop most of it's
leaves if it gets too cold, too dry, or malnourished. This species
respirates constantly, so high humidity is very ideal for keeping it
happy and vigorous.
Propogation: Seeds, which although perishable, will sprout
readily when fresh.
Container Culture: Possible; grow in dappled shade or filtered
light.
Medicinal Uses: Unknown.
Nutritional Information: Similar to jackfruit, Pedalai is high in
carbohydrates, fiber, and high in minerals like potassium.
Preparation / Food: Eaten fresh. Seeds are boiled for 7-10
minutes, then roasted or used in various ways, similar to jackfruit
seeds. |
